Charlottetown wins last meeting against Quebec.

1- Charlottetown defenseman Pierre Olivier Joseph (15) looking for to make a pass to teammates photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

QUEBEC CITY, P.Q. —Winning the night before in Blainville-Boisbriand Charlottetown made stop in Quebec city to face the Remparts in second and last meeting in 2016-17 regular season (first meeting November 26, 2016 a 3-2 win). Leading 2-1 after the opening period, and 3-1 after forty minutes Quebec cut visitor lead to only one goal but a penalty to young player open the door to one of the best offensive machine in the league and Charlottetown wins 5-2 with Daniel Sprong ending with 1 goal 1 assist.

Charlottetown break the ice first 3:48 into the opening period. Making first save on Francois Beauchemin Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau couldn’t do anything as Alex D’Ostie only had to push the puck behind Baribeau.

Quebec replied less than two minutes later on two-on-one breakaway. Following a great pass from teammate defenseman Etienne Verrette Philipp Kurashev wrist shot beat Islanders goaltender Mark Grametbauer on his right side at 6:03.

Charlottetown regained the lead as Kameron Kielly forced Quebec goalie to make first save rebound went right in slot on stick of best Charlottetown scoring leader Filip Chlapik scoring his 31st of the year at 16:48.

Charlottetown thought they had scored a third goal in the game as Guillaume Brisebois redirect the puck with his skate. But after video review, referee Marc Muylaert, waved-off the goal saying Brisebois intentionally redirect the puck with his skate.

2- Charlottetown defenseman Hunter Drew (5) in action photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebe

Quebec began third period on stronger note as they took advantage of the first power play opportunity in the game following penalty to Islanders forward Keith Getson guilty of high sticking. Rookie center Andrew Coxhead redirect a shot from the blue line by defenseman Darrien Kielb scoring his fourth of the year, his first in 26 games (November 26, 2016). Coxhead goal came at 6:59.

Trailing by one Quebec continued to play strong hockey against one of the best team in the QMJHL until a penalty to Olivier Mathieu who has been found guilty of roughing.

Having one of strongest offensive in the league, Charlottetown took advantage of their unique chance with a man up to add to their lead. Veteran defenseman and Colorado Avalanche prospect Eric Meloche scored his 13th of the year at 17:04 regaining their two goal leads.

Last goal in the game has been scored in an empty net by Guillaume Brisebois his 7th of the year at 18:58.

Recently back from groin injury getting his first start in front of his fans, goaltender Dereck Baribeau has been praised by his head coach Philippe Boucher. Even if the young netminder wanted to take the blame for the loss, Quebec head coach refused to blame his netminder.

3- Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau played very strong game even if his team lost photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

“We were in the game all night long it was just doll at the end,” answered Quebec goaltender Dereck Baribeau. “I think we could win that game. I was ready I practiced all week, for sure at the beginning it was little bit stressing but I think I played well. My job is to stop the puck it doesn’t matter how many I can get 18 or 45 my job is to stop the puck. I think we have a great group of guys even if we have several injuries. We can’t do anything you know, we control what we can presently we control our play, the way we play, we can’t control the injury.” Answered Baribeau when he was asked how tough it might be to play with lots of injuries.

“We just have to work harder each game, guys need to step-up that is all.” Continued the one who had been the Val-d’Or first round selection (5th) overall in 2015.

“I can’t say, but for sure the fourth goals hurt us, I can take part of the blame on that one, I should have made the save on the third one, the one scored by Daniel Sprong. I took part of the blame for that loss.” Ended Baribeau.

“Tonight our goaltender has been very solid, our young guys were good, Coxhead played very strong game. I adore guys who care for the team, I certainly won’t blamed him for the loss, I didn’t know who gave the stars tonight but as I was in my office and I learned his name it was a good choice. If that is the case (taking the blame for the loss) Gyslain (goaltender coach) will talk to him, he certainly wasn’t to blame for our loss.” Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher said.

On the game itself Quebec head coach saw some positive when he look the overall.

4- Quebec left winger Jesse Sutton (82) on the ice blocking a shot photo courtesy of Jonathan L’Heureux of infosportquebec

“Yes until we took a stupid penalty (Olivier Mathieu for roughing), we get ourselves out of the game,” answered Quebec head coach Philippe Boucher. “It’s sad, we told at the beginning of the year that we have to be patient so we will continue to be patient with our team. Tonight we did great things, we found some positive. Our goaltender was sold, our young guys were good, Coxhead played very great game, and everyone would like to see the second goal back. A face-off that end with three against one, it has been our fault, we shoot ourselves in the foot but we found a way to stay in the game we fought.” Continued the head coach Boucher.

Quebec next game will be next Wednesday in Videotron center hosting Moncton Wildcats.

Three other games were on QMJHL schedule on Saturday

Sherbrooke 4 vs. Moncton 5

Chicoutimi 1 vs. Gatineau 6

Baie-Comeau 1 vs. Val-d’Or 2 (overtime)

Contact the author at: serge.poulin@prohockeynews.com